WASHINGTON (Rio 2016 Olympics) - Bradley Beal is a big hit in the NBA and not simply because of his talent. The Washington Wizards guard has an abundance of skill, of course, but there is something more important that has allowed the 22-year-old to establish himself as one of the top young players in the world's toughest, most competitive league.

He's got the right mental approach, an unwavering belief that success will be his. Anything he sets his mind to, he firmly believes he will accomplish.

"Yes, for sure," he said to FIBA.com. "At the end of the day, that is what it is all about."

If you believe in yourself, above all, you should have no worries and do what you want and have to do. If you don't believe in yourself, your teammates can tell that something is wrong and that can be frustrating. You have to believe in yourself whoever the opponent is. Whatever you are doing, you have to believe in yourself to succeed. I am a firm believer of that. - Beal

That's why the 22-year-old will eventually wear the USA shirt in a major event for the senior team. He will log plenty of minutes and make plenty of important plays.

It could happen this summer, when the Americans go to Rio de Janeiro looking to capture a third straight Olympic gold medal, or it may happen down the road. Whenever it happens, the Missouri-born star will be ready. He was earlier this year named as a finalist for the USA squad.

"If I am chosen to play and be part of the team, I would love to compete in Rio for sure," he said.

Beal has already represented his country. He did so two summers for the country's youth teams.

In 2009, he was a leading light in the side that won the FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Mendoza, Argentina, averaging 19 points per game. The following year, he poured in 18.2ppg as the USA claimed the title at the inaugural FIBA U17 World Championship in Hamburg, Germany.

Bradley Beal (USA) led his country to glory in 2010 in Hamburg

"It was really great," he said of the two USA Basketball experiences.

It was a dream come true to be one of a million basketball players in the US to have an opportunity to play for your country. Since being called up in the system, it's been nothing but family, it's been love. It helps you realize what it's all about. You're not just playing for yourself, you're playing for your country. Above all, that's been one of the best accomplishments I've ever had. - Beal

Washington did not make it back to the Eastern Conference Playoffs this year after reaching the second round of the post-season in 2015. It was a huge disappointment for Beal, who nevertheless made some headlines with outstanding plays.

The 1.96m guard will not dwell on the failure to make it back to the post-season in 2016. He wants to look forward, not back.

He also knows that to become the player he wants to be, he has to keep improving. Beal is looking forward to getting better this summer and being ready for next season. He is placing a huge importance on being an intelligent player.

"Every part of my game has been better since I was a rookie," he said. "The game eventually slows down a bit when you start to understand a bit more about the league. I have been working on paying more attention to the game, becoming a student of the game year after year. Developing the basketball IQ is very important. I have got to keep improving on that aspect every year."

FIBA